Aside from periods of curatorship during the two world wars, the ties between German behemoth Siemens and this country have endured almost a century and a half. Today, it employs well over 3 000 people and generates revenue of around R1 billion annually.

Local CE Dr Klaus Döring observes: “We have a principle that says we are not involved in politics and will never react heavily to politics. However, we have stayed here through the good and the bad times and support the country in the transitionary process.”